The Unnecessary Man by Randall Garrett

"The Unnecessary Man" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story navigates through themes of political intrigue, loyalty, and the machinations of power within the Terran Empire, exploring how individuals become pawns in greater schemes. The narrative centers around the character of Colonel Lord Barrick Sorban, who serves a hidden role in the Imperial hierarchy, highlighting how emotional and strategic undercurrents shape the behaviors and decisions of those in power. The plot unfolds largely through the lenses of Lord Sorban and Jon Senesin, the son of the Prime Portfolio, amid a scandal involving the potential manipulation of government leaders. As Jon questions the integrity of his father, who seems to be under influence, he seeks the truth behind political machinations and the tapes that may expose deeper corruption. The narrative intricately blends personal loyalty with broader political responsibilities, leading to revelations about the nature of power and sacrifice within a structured society. Ultimately, it raises questions about authority and the roles individuals play, including who truly may be "unnecessary" in the face of larger systemic needs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Garrett, Randall, 1927-1987
Illustrator Martinez
Title The Unnecessary Man
Series Title Produced from Astounding Science Fiction November 1959.
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net
Reading Level Reading ease score: 75.3 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction, American
Subject Political fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 24529
Release Date
Last Update Jan 3, 2021
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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